By Vincent Joseph for BIS Mumbai

The Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on "Strengthening Skilling Ecosystems and Industry Partnerships for the Green Transition" marked a significant milestone for Don Bosco ITI, Chinchwad. 

 Organized in collaboration with The Energy and Resources Institute's (TERI) EIACP and GSDP initiatives, the event took place on March 20, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the well-equipped AV Hall of Don Bosco ITI, Chinchwad, Maharashtra. 

 It brought together over 40 experts from government, industry, academia, and entrepreneurship to tackle pressing skill gaps in India's rapidly evolving Electric Vehicle (EV) sector.

 At the heart of the discussions was the "Triple Helix" model—synergizing Government, Industry, and Academia—to forge an inclusive green workforce. Participants explored national and state-level skill demands essential for maximizing employment opportunities amid widespread EV adoption, navigating policy regulations, and bridging shortages in vocational training. Esteemed resource persons from TERI, Tata Motors, Bajaj Chetak, and Hyundai offered practical insights, drawing from real-world implementations in green mobility.

 The proceedings kicked off promptly at 11 a.m., with facilitator Mr Vincent Joseph coordinating the session and introducing the distinguished panel. Dr P. K. Bhattacharya, Senior Fellow and EIACP Coordinator at TERI, New Delhi, delivered a warm welcome address, outlining the project's broader context in sustainable development. Ms Pallavi Singh, Fellow and Programme Officer at TERI, then presented a comprehensive overview of the EIACP GSDP framework, highlighting its role in skilling for green jobs.

 Fr Anton D'Souza , Director followed with the inaugural address, emphasizing collaborative dialogue as key to community empowerment. The core session, from 11:45 to 12:45 p.m., dove deep into Triple Helix strategies for green workforce development. Moderated expertly by Mr Vincent Joseph, who posed targeted questions like "How can curricula adapt to EV battery management and charging infrastructure needs?", the group discussion gained momentum. Industry representatives from Tata Motors, Bajaj Chetak, and Hyundai stressed the need for robust policy frameworks and inclusive training strategies. Entrepreneurs urged reforms in government policies, advocating for syllabi aligned with the dynamic green energy landscape, including emerging areas like battery recycling and smart grid integration.

 Diverse participants—from industry leaders and ground-level workers to academics—underscored the urgency of advanced EV technology training to propel India's green mobility ambitions under initiatives like FAME-III.

 The event wrapped up with a concise 10-minute session from 12:45 to 12:55 p.m., where Dr Cyril Castro, renowned entrepreneur and academician, summarized key insights and proposed actionable strategies. These include curriculum upgrades at Don Bosco ITI, such as specialized EV technician certifications and industry internships.

 Principal Mr Nilesh Chandgude concluded at 1 p.m. with heartfelt votes of thanks.

 This FGD reaffirms Don Bosco ITI's dedication to skill development for sustainable employment. It lays the groundwork for innovative curricula, stronger partnerships, and empowered youth in Pune and Maharashtra, aligning seamlessly with national EV policies for a greener future.